On the eve of the London Book Fair 2016, the Stationers' Company is pleased to welcome the international independent publishing industry and its supporters to Stationers’ Hall, a stone’s throw from St Paul’s Cathedral in the City of London.

for an evening of discussion, drinks, food and stimulating conversation, in one of the most glorious historic venues in the old City of London.

The evening will be social and enjoyable, with food and wine flowing. Before the serious business of the week starts at Olympia, join this celebration of independent publishing, and meet your fellow indie publishers from around the world.

Peter Usborne

Shana Drehs

Oliver Gadsby

Speakers

Delegates will be welcomed to the event by Peter Usborne, the founder of Usborne Publishing. Peter led his business to be the largest publisher of children’s books in the UK; it was awarded the title of Independent Publisher of the Year by the IPG in 2014. Peter Usborne received a Lifetime Achievement Award in International Publishing at the London Book Fair in 2015. Peter set up Usborne Publishing in 1973, and the company has now published more than 6,000 titles across six languages – English, French, Italian, Dutch, Brazilian, Portuguese and German – with its latest imprint, Usborne Korea, launched in 2015.

Other distinguished speakers will briefly explore some of the themes which matter to independent publishers worldwide: Shana Drehs of Illinois-based Sourcebooks will speak for the IBPA, whilst Anne Beech of Pluto Press will comment on the issues affecting members of the International Alliance.

The event will be hosted by Oliver Gadsby, Chair of the UK Independent Publishers' Guild, 2014-2016. Oliver is Chief Executive at academic publisher Rowman and Littlefield International, and a member of the Stationers’ Company. His publishing career has taken him from Germany to Sweden, the UK, the Netherlands and the United States.